Today we’d like to introduce you to Josiah Solomon.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I had a difficult childhood, growing up in a poor African American community, and then in-and-out of foster homes when my father passed away.
Thankfully, at age 18 I was guided to my spiritual path, where I learned about clean living and dietary consciousness. Also, I met a wonderful woman named Betty Dean Antonick, who helped me discover my musical talent with the piano and guitar. She registered me with Charles Stern’s Agency, where I was exposed to the TV and Film industry in Hollywood. Music “clicked-in” when I discovered my voice with the guitar. A whole world opened for me, and I haven’t stopped playing music since. Betty and I worked together in the schools. She introduced me to the art of storytelling. I am forever grateful to Betty Antonick, who was the best kind of friend anyone could have. May she rest in peace.
When I moved to San Diego I continued developing my Education through the Arts program as Josiah, The Musical Storyteller. At that time, school budgets allowed for Assemblies and After School programs, which I was able provide for years.
Meanwhile, I established my own band which continues to this day. We blend a wide variety of musical styles ranging from Reggae, Afro-Pop to Rhythm&Blues, Classic Rock and Folk. The band plays at clubs, corporate events, street fairs and private parties. We enjoyed playing a couple of full time summer gigs at the San Diego Wild Animal Park. We are the UpLift Band.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Life as a musician is challenging, financially and otherwise, but I’ve also found inequities and systemic racism and injustices in our world.
Regardless, I stand in my dignity and keep the ‘music with a message’ alive.
Over the last 15 years, art and music budgets in the schools have been severely cut-back, so the opportunity to present my Music Maker programs have been thwarted. I continue to present Kwanzaa and African American History programs for the few teachers who can generate the nominal fee. Funding is needed to continue my work.
After a couple of years of being homeless, I now find myself living in a Tiny Home, which is highly preferable to being on the street but is still lacking as an adequate space to do my work. Even so, I persevere, teaching myself classical guitar, composing piano compositions, leading Devotional Singing gatherings in Encinitas, and keeping the UpLift Band working.
Tell us more about your work.
I consider my work with the youth to be my most valuable contribution.
My education enrichment program offers a unique blend of music, storytelling, education, entertainment and inspiration for the youth. I perform original and traditional music on a variety of instruments and encourage the children to explore their own voices and self-expression through the medium of music.
The stories I tell include a lesson or moral intended to help guide and inspire.
In general, my presentations in the schools and libraries (and even senior centers!) offer a unique approach to education.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My vision is to take my Music Maker / Storyteller program to more schools, particularly in the marginalized, underprivileged, disadvantaged communities.
Pricing:
- I work on a sliding scale $200-$500 per presentation.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.JosiahSing.com
- Email: josiahsinger@gmail.com
- Other: YouTube channel – josiahsings
Image Credit:
no credits needed
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